Archaeology Field School in Virginia

UM undergraduate student Ben Davis, American University graduate student Erin Cagney and UM undergrads Conor Foxworth and Emily Warner excavate the burned wall of structure that dates back to the 1300s at the Carter Robinson site in Virginia. Photo by J.C. Burns

About the Program

In this four-week archaeological program, you’ll excavate a 14th century Native American Mississippian mound and village site. You will assist in excavating portions of three houses, to look for evidence of shell bead production, food remains, and household relationships, and identify change over time at the site. Basic archaeological methods, including excavating, mapping, surveying, and artifact identification, are taught. Students interested in a career in archaeology need a field school in order to get employment in private sector archaeology or to enter graduate school. Students earn 6 hours of Anth 335 (methods course credit).

University of Mississippi students excavating house.

Location

Rose Hill, Virginia

Who Should Go?

Students interested in learning how to do archaeology; students interested in archaeology as a career (field school is required); students needing 6 hours methods credit in anthropology.

Dates

The program will run May 30 through June 24, during Summer I session.

Travel

Students will meet on the UM Campus May 30th, but will need to transport themselves to Virginia on May 31 (travel day). The instructor can facilitate ride sharing.